Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £65 million, handing Unai Emery a major new attacking option as Ollie Watkins closes in on a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Senegal international has completed his medical and the transfer documents have been finalised, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Thursday that Jackson has now signed his Aston Villa contract.
Villa will pay an initial £47.5 million for the 25-year-old, with a further £17.5 million in potential add-ons taking Chelsea’s overall package to £65 million.
Jackson reunited with Unai Emery
The move reunites Jackson with Emery, who previously worked with the striker during their time together at Villarreal.
That relationship played a significant role in Villa’s pursuit, with Emery pushing for the club to secure Jackson as they prepared for a major change to their attacking options.
Atletico Madrid had also shown interest in the Senegal forward, but Villa emerged as the strongest contender after demonstrating a willingness to meet Chelsea’s £65 million valuation.
Jackson initially joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 for around £32 million and went on to score 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club.
He spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 times in 34 appearances and helped the German giants win the Bundesliga.
Bayern’s agreement contained an obligation to buy Jackson for £56.25 million, but the required appearance conditions were not met, sending him back to Chelsea this summer.
£65m deal could break Villa transfer record
Jackson’s move represents another huge investment by Villa during an extraordinary summer of squad rebuilding.
The £65 million package could make him the most expensive signing in the club’s history if all the add-ons are triggered, surpassing the fee committed for Johan Manzambi earlier this summer.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will make a substantial return on Jackson after signing him from Villarreal three years ago.
His departure is part of a reshaping of Chelsea’s forward line under Xabi Alonso. Liam Delap has also left Stamford Bridge after Nottingham Forest completed a deal worth up to £50 million for the striker.
Watkins heading for Al Hilal
Jackson’s arrival comes as Villa prepare to lose Watkins to Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.
The England international had made clear his desire to leave Villa Park, with Al Hilal making several attempts to secure his signature.
Villa have now accepted a package worth €58.4 million plus €2 million in add-ons for Watkins, clearing the way for the 30-year-old to move to Saudi Arabia.
Jackson therefore arrives as a natural replacement at the heart of Emery’s attack.
The transfer also continues a remarkably busy summer at Villa Park, with Villa rebuilding a squad that has already seen Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne depart. Emiliano Martinez’s future is also uncertain, with Chelsea considering a move for the Argentina goalkeeper.
Jackson’s signing, however, gives Emery a striker he knows well as Villa prepare for the new campaign with a substantially reshaped squad.
